News Brief

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Construction Begins at Brunswick Layover Facility As NNEPRA Puts Bad Year Behind Them

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Published: 22 October 201522 October 2015

Written by TRN WebmasterTRN Webmaster

Brunswick Layover Facility:

It took nearly four years, but the construction equipment is now working at the layover property in Brunswick.

The facility will house three train sets and reduce emissions and noise while enabling light maintenance year round. A particular benefit to maintenance crews is the ability to do their work out of the elements, particularly during winter months.

TrainRiders/NE welcomed three important passenger rail leaders to our 27th Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.

Amtrak Briefing: The Keynote speaker was Drew Galloway, Amtrak's Deputy Chief of NEC Planning & Performance. His grasp of the Northeast Corridor's growth and challenges was impressive to all who attended.

NNEPRA's Annual Meeting Reports 'Modest Growth' for FY2014

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Published: 31 October 201431 October 2014

Written by TRN WebmasterTRN Webmaster

Executive Director Patricia Quinn and her staff reported details of FY2014 to a packed meeting room of interested parties. Here are selected items from the Annual Report:

Performance Statistics:

4% increase in Ridership - 536,524 total

6.2% increase in Revenue - $8.6 total

58% On Time Performance

On Time Performance

MBTA work on the Shawsheen River Bridges required weekend track outages and forced 12 Downeaster trains to be cancelled. The severe winter created severe track conditions in the spring, resulting in the cancellation of 24 additional trains and the estimated loss of 4,000 riders and $64,000 in revenue.

Passenger Profile

Passengers chose to ride the Downeaster for a variety of reasons:

45% - Leisure

28% - Visit friends and family

17% - Business

2% - Medical

2% - College

6% - Other

During FY2014

57% - Traveled to or from Maine (66% of revenue)

30% - Traveled between NH and Boston (25% of revenue)

25% - Traveled on passes (16% of revenue)

Customer Satisfaction

Throughout the year of challenges, passsengers continually ranked the Downeaster the highest among Amtrak trains for customer service with an overall satisfaction rating of 93%.

Annual Meeting: Direct Downeaster Service to NYC Proposed & Revealing Video of the BLF Site

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Published: 17 October 201417 October 2014

Written by TRN WebmasterTRN Webmaster

Our 26th Annual Meeting was held on Oct. 16th at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. Our keynote speaker was Ross Capon, Transportation Consultant and President Emeritus of the National Association of Railroad Passengers. Ross has testified countless times before Congress on behalf of railroad passengers. He is a member of the Federal Railroad Administration's Railroad Safety Advisory Committee along other federal and rail transportation boards. Ross shared his extensive knowledge of Amtrak's struggles to find congressional funding over the years. He is a long-time friend of TrainRiders/Northeast can be seen on the Downeaster as he vacations in Maine.

Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA Executive Director, displayed her 'numbers game' which was an easily digestible story of the Downeaster's successes and challenges.

Wayne announced an intiative to expand Downeaster service to New York City - it would be a direct route, bypassing the North and South Station bottlenecks. Video: http://youtu.be/YTJI5DJuc8E

October, 2012 NNEPRA Board Meeting

The atmosphere couldn't have been more upbeat as NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn reported on September's performance statistics and commented on the much anticipated Inaugural Run to Freeport and Brunswick on November 1st. Of the performance states, Ms. Quinn characterized them as "phenomenal."

Her analysis stated: "The first quarter of FY2013 was record setting for the Downeaster. All-time high monthly ridership of 53,740 in July was surpassed in August when ridership soared to 57,853. Fiscal year to date, the Downeaster has transported 159,984 passengers, the equivalent of 13.3 million passenger miles, generating $2.3 million in revenue. This represents a 9% ridership increase and a 15.8% revenue increase over the first quarter of FY 2012."

Press Herald Portrays the Man Behind the Downeaster - Wayne Davis

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Published: 22 October 201222 October 2012

Written by TRN WebmasterTRN Webmaster

When it comes to superlatives, our chairman - Wayne Davis - finds it hard to find that horn to toot regarding his accomplishments. Fortunately, there are others who know of his extraordinary vision and are willing and able to 'blow that horn' over how he transformed public transportation along the Brunswick-Boston corridor (That 'corridor' will be expanded by another 30 miles to Brunswick on November 1st).

Tom Bell's excellent article, quoting past and present public officials, is a fitting tribute to Wayne who delivered the Downeaster to a public yearning to use Amtrak as their second car. It can be read in the Portland Press Herald. {jcomments on}

Amtrak, Downeaster & Vermont Railroads Set New Ridership Records

Each time Amtrak and our New England state-supported railroads report passenger data, new records are set.

Amtrak Report:

Amtrak's nationwide system carried 31,240,565 passengers in the fiscal year that ended September 30th. When Amtrak includes the Downeaster numbers in their fiscal year report, the Maine-based passenger service grew to a new record of more than 541,000 passengers, up 4.3% (Keep in mind, that NNEPRA's fiscal year is July-June and Amtrak's is October-September). NNEPRA recently reported that in their recent fiscal year they carried 528,000 passengers. Whichever report you use, the numbers are strong and getting stronger. You can view the full Amtrak press release here.

eTicketing and Amtrak Wi-Fi To Arrive on the Downeaster

Amtrak and the Downeaster are launching a pilot program called eTicketing. It promises to be a major step forward in issuing and processing tickets.

Here's a summary:

Starting at 8 a.m. on November 1st you can print your eTicket at home (it's a PDF file) and bring it to the train - no need to process it through the Quik-Trak machine

If you lose it, you can print it again

The Quik-Trak machines can stil be used - they will print out an eTicket at the end of their transactions

Amtrak.com transactions will email you an eTicket - print it out and bring it to the train

All these tickets are scanned by the conductors once you're on the train - that includes scanning the eTicket bar code as displayed on a smart phone!

More specifics regarding the ticketing improvement can be viewed here. This is only happening on the Downeaster route - once the kinks are ironed out, it will be rolled out nationwide. Once again the Downeaster leads the nation.

Amtrak Wi-Fi

Amtrak has installed a 'more robust' free Wi-Fi system on the Downeaster and it will begin operation on Monday, October 31st.

Like the current system, it still uses the cell towers along the route and there are specific limitations in order to maximize access:

Streaming media will be blocked

Downloading of files larger than 10 MB will be blocked

VPN will not be supported

Inappropriate content will be blocked

The Train Hosts will be looking for passenger feedback on both these improvements.{jcomments on}

–Streaming media will be blocked.

–Downloading of files larger than 10MB will be blocked.

–VPN (virtual private networks) will not be supported on any trains except Acela Express.

NNEPRA Board Approves Fare Increase at October Meeting

The NNEPRA Board, after discussing emailed objections from nearly a dozen NH riders, approved a new fare schedule.

Several Exeter riders were concerned that their monthly pass to Boston would rise from $259 to $279, or $20. In 2005, the pass cost $188. Since then it has risen $91 in several steps or a 48% increase over six years. Executive Director Patricia Quinn noted that higher fuel costs were but one of the factors in the equation (Downeaster fuel has risen 150% since 2005). One board member suggested that Downeaster funding contributions from Concord and Boston could eventually moderate such increases. The new fare structure can be viewed here.

First Quarter FY 2012 Performance

Ridership: 146,519 vs. 136,837 in Q1 FY11

Revenue: $2,060,452 vs. $2,008,857 in Q1 FY11

Rider Miles: 12,151,588 vs. 11,216,364 in Q1 FY11

On Time Perfomance: 58% vs. 67% in Q1 FY11

The poor OTP was due in part to the N. Berwick accident and subsequent rail/crossing rehab. Other slow orders along the PanAm portion in Plaistow and Old Orchard Beach are expected to be cleared up within the next month. MBTA slow orders are of a longer duration due to extensive construction.

Pam Am continues to make good progress on the Portland to Brunswick rehab. The Brunswick platform work is slightly behind schedule - awaiting some custom concrete materials - but the Freeport platform is ahead of schedule and will likely be completed by December 1st. Look for crew qualification runs along the line this spring!

Downeaster & Other State Railroads Spared in 2012 Transportation Funding as President Signs Bill

LATE UPDATE #2 - Nov, 14, 2011: The Senate/House Conference Committee has reported out a reconciled bill that preserves the Downeaster, as well as 14 other state-operated railroads, and continues Amtrak funding but at a lower level. All High Speed Rail monies were eliminated.

The original House bill would have eliminated the state-operated railroads and reduced Amtrak funding to 'draconian' levels. The Senate bill has essentially prevailed.

Now both houses of congress must approved the compromise bill and send it to the president for his signature.

The Press Herald has the story with quotes from Sen. Collins, TRN Chair Wayne Davis and NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn. Go here. NARP has a more detailed report on their blog.

The National Association of Railroad Passengers requests members contact their US senators to ensure continued national and state Amtrak funding. NARP statement.

These are the best of times and potentially the worst of times as record ridership on Amtrak nationally - 30.2 million - and a record year for the Downeaster - 500,000+ - must at the same time confront congressional efforts by some to gut or kill both. We recommend that you use the NARP link to easily send an email to your US senator. Decades of accomplishment are at risk during the coming year.{jcomments on}

Exeter Residents Plan for Downeaster Station Area Growth

The Town of Exeter, NH, takes community involvement in economic development seriously. Two open forums were held this past week to solicit ideas from the citizens on how best to develop the area around the Downeaster train station.

Bob Hall, president of the Exeter Train Station Committee and a board member of TrainRiders/NE, has been one of several town leaders pushing for a development plan that is responsive to Exeter's future needs.

NNEPRA Board Meeting - October, 2010

In the midst of tough economic times, the Downeaster continues to shine with ridership and revenue numbers looking very good.

Executive Director Patricia Quinn provided the following report on the first three months of FY 2011 (July, Aug, Sept):

Ridership: 136,837 passengers - 3% increase over the same period last year.

Revenue: $2,008,857 million - 3% increase over the same period last year.

Passenger Miles: 11,216,364 - 3.1% increase over the same period last year

On Time Performance: 67% (still low but improving - Sept was 76%)

Busiest train: #685 averaging 294 passengers per day, followed by #680 with 250/day and 682 with 234/day.

Overall Customer Satisfaction: 94% (Amtrak = 80%)

The FRA announced a $600 thousand planning grant to NNEPRA that will focus on how best to improve travel time and frequency between Portland and Boston as well as examing the issue of a new intown station for Portland.

Maine Agrees to Buy Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway

The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway, a freight railroad that serves northern Maine, will be purchased by the state in an agreement reached between the railroad and the Department of Transportation. The purchase will prevent the abandonement of 233 miles of track and preserve, according to the MDOT press release, up to 1,000 jobs. An additional $10.5 million from the USDOT will be allocated to upgrading tracks and signals.

TrainRiders/Northeast has encouraged the acquisition of the rail line so that northern Maine businesses remain connected to the national rail network.

Amtrak Reauthorization Signed by President

Details

Published: 17 October 200817 October 2008

Written by TRN WebmasterTRN Webmaster

On September 12th in Los Angeles, a head-on collision between a commuter train and a freight train killed 25 people. As a result, a rail safety bill was introduced in the congress to require "positive train control" technology on all passenger lines by 2015.

Brunswick Station Groundbreaking Ceremony

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Published: 10 October 200810 October 2008

Written by TRN WebmasterTRN Webmaster

(Tuesday, Oct. 14, '08) The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Brunswick Downeaster Station was held in an empty lot that will now be transformed into a commercial development featuring space for Downeaster passengers.

Durham 'Old' is Now Durham 'New'

The historic Durham train station was rededicated yesterday after a year-long refurbishing effort which preserved the existing structure and expanded the food area. The rejuvenated Dairy Bar, redesigned and much improved, now offers a wholesome upgraded menu as well as that old standby - ice cream.

Durham, NH Downeaster Station Rededicated at UNH

The historic Durham train station was rededicated yesterday after a year-long refurbishing effort which preserved the existing structure and expanded the food area. The rejuvenated Dairy Bar, redesigned and much improved, now offers a wholesome upgraded menu as well as that old standby - ice cream.

Chairman Wayne Davis of TrainRiders/Northeast joined Patricia Quinn of NNEPRA and the president of UNH at ceremonies marking the occasion. The Maine contingent arrived at the university's new intermodal facility on train #682. The UNH Pep Band added their enthusiasm to the celebratory mood.

Congratulations to Steve Pesci, UNH Special Projects Manager and TR/NE board member, for all his hard work on behalf of the Downeaster.

For those who weren't there, a video is available but there's no way to share electronically the delicious coffee cake we enjoyed. You'll just have to make your own train trip to the Dairy Bar.

August, 2008 Downeaster Performance Report

We sent an earlier email about the strong August ridership figures - up 34.3% over August of last year. At today's NNEPRA Board Meeting, Executive Director Patricia Quinn added context to that headline.

August, 2008 was the first ever 50,000+ ridership month - 50,854 - making it the busiest month in Downeaster history.

August, 2008 had the highest monthly revenue ever recorded - $771,936 - exceeding August of '07 by 38.2%.

These include tracks extending from the Portland station to the layover facility, including a wye. The only passenger service using these tracks is the state-supported Downeaster service, which currently operates at five frequencies per day. A portion of the track to be improved is not currently used for revenue operations, and the wye is now out of service for turning of passenger train consists.

Benefits: The quantified anticipated benefits relate primarily to the renewed ability to turn locomotives and trainsets on the wye, a procedure which the applicant regards as necessary when locomotives are bad-ordered. The applicant also asserts that the current inability to do this requires that a protect locomotive be held in reserve in Portland, and that the net present value of the cost of the protect locomotive over the 15-year life of the proposed improvements would be $6.5 million. Prior to submitting the application, however, the applicant told the FRA that the long-term intent of the project would be to accommodate an extension of Downeaster service to Brunswick, which would use the improved track for revenue movements.

White House Likely to Sign $13 Billion Rail Passenger Bill

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Published: 02 October 200802 October 2008

Written by TRN WebmasterTRN Webmaster

The White House will likely sign a major Amtrak funding bill that passed both houses of congress with veto-proof margins. The funding is part of rail safety legislation that followed the tragic California commuter train crash that claimed 25 lives in September.